Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks season preview 2016: Predictions and analysis

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Marshawn Lynch might not be back, but Pete Carroll, Russell Wilson and the Legion of Boom are. The Seattle Seahawks have reached the postseason four consecutive seasons, and it would be foolish not to expect a fifth.

Seattle has concerns, but the strengths far outweigh them. The defense remains the best unit in the NFL, with all due respect to the Denver Broncos. Richard Sherman is still the top corner in the game, and Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor easily make up the preeminent safety duo. In a league dominated by passing more than ever before, the three aforementioned stars are crucial in the Seahawks’ hopes of a second Super Bowl title.

Up front, the defense lost a piece in outside linebacker Bruce Irvin. However, the presence of Irvin might not be missed all that much. The former first-round pick of out West Virginia never eclipsed eight sacks in a season, and only had 22.5 in four campaigns.

Without Irvin, Seattle will rely even more on Michael Bennett, who is arguably the most underrated defensive end in the sport. Bennett, 30, has notched 25.5 sacks in three seasons with the Seahawks, including a career-high 10 in 2015. Bennett has an annoying penchant for jumping into the neutral zone, but other than that, is an elite defender.

The second level of the defense is also dotted with stars. Middle linebacker Bobby Wagner is a force, racking up at least 104 tackles in each of his four seasons. Wagner is also a terrific coverage linebacker and can shoot gaps on blitzes with 9.5 career sacks. He plays next to K.J. Wright, another underrated defender on Seattle. Wright has 223 tackle and seven forced fumbles over the past two seasons.

For Seattle, the main question is whether the offensive line becomes a complete mess. Last year, the unit allowed 46 sacks despite having Wilson, one of the most mobile quarterbacks in football, behind it. In the offseason, general manager John Schneider allowed Russell Okung and J.R. Sweezy to leave in free agency. Neither is a great talent, but both are experienced in the system.

While first-round pick Germain Ifedi has potential at right tackle, the rest of the line reads like a horror show. For a team so dependent on running the football between the tackles, it could be a major stumbling block.

If the line proves to be competent on any level, Wilson could have a career year. Last season, Wilson threw for 4,024 yards and 34 touchdowns, both career bests. With the continued maturation of Tyler Lockett, the return of Jermaine Kearse and a potentially healthy season from Jimmy Graham, Wilson’s numbers could continue to spike.

The Seahawks, despite their leaky offensive front, have to be considered one of the eight or so teams in legitimate contention to win a championship. Seattle continues to have a strong combination at quarterback and head coach, to go along with the NFL’s best defense. If Carroll can smooth out the rough edges on this roster, the Seahawks are going to be a brutal out for anybody come January.

Schedule

Week 1 – Miami Dolphins
Week 2 – at Los Angeles Rams
Week 3 – San Francisco 49ers
Week 4 – at New York Jets
Week 5 – BYE
Week 6 – Atlanta Falcons
Week 7 – at Arizona Cardinals (Sun. night)
Week 8 – at New Orleans Saints
Week 9 – Buffalo Bills (Mon.)
Week 10 – at New England Patriots (Sun. night)
Week 11 – Philadelphia Eagles
Week 12 – at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 13 – Carolina panthers (Sun. night)
Week 14 – at Green Bay Packers
Week 15 – Los Angeles Rams (Thurs.)
Week 16 – Arizona Cardinals
Week 17 – at San Francisco 49ers

Seattle has to be thrilled with this schedule. The Seahawks only play consecutive games on the road once, visiting the Cardinals and Saints. In addition, the only East Coast trips come on Week 4 and Week 10, with one of those having a bye immediately after.

The latter portion of the schedule could be difficult, though. The Seahawks have to host the Panthers on Sunday night before traveling to Lambeau Field. After that, Seattle has three days to rest before hosting a physical Rams team, and then gets the Cardinals.

Draft class

Round 1 (31) – Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Round 2 (49) – Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Round 3 (90) – C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame
Round 3 (94) – Nick Vannett, TE, Ohio State
Round 3 (97) – Rees Odhiambo, OG, Boise State
Round 5 (147) – Quinton Jefferson, DT, MarylandRound 5 (171) – Alex Collins, RB, Arkansas
Round 6 (215) – Joey Hunt, C, TCU
Round 7 (243) – Kenny Lawler, WR, California
Round 7 (247) – Zac Brooks, RB, Clemson

Ifedi is a raw talent, but he comes in as a need for the Seahawks. Schneider knows that the offensive line is currently a mess after the departure of Russell Okung and the trade two offseasons ago of center Max Unger. Ifedi will likely see considerable playing time.

The addition of Reed is a nice one, with many believing he was a first-round talent. Prosise should also provide some depth at the running back position following the retirement of Lynch. As for a sleeper in this group, look at Hunt. He could be starting in 2016.

Offseason moves

Acquired

None

Lost

Russell Okung, OT (DEN – 5 years, $53 million)
Bruce Irvin, OLB (OAK – 4 years, $37 million)
Brandon Mebane, NT (SD – 3 years, $13 million)
J.R. Sweezy, OG (TB – 5 years, $32.5 million)

X-Factor

How well does the offensive line play in front of Russell Wilson? Wilson is the most mobile quarterback in the league, but the Seahawks couldn’t overcome hideous play from the front wall early last season, starting 2-4.

The Seahawks are no longer a team built on power football. Without Lynch, Wilson will need to throw more often, and if he’s running for his life, Seattle is in real danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Bottom Line

The Seahawks have some concerns, but they remain one of the true challengers for a berth in the Super Bowl. For Seattle, the questions are mostly about a porous offensive line and a defense that has some injury concerns, especially as guys like Bennett continue to age.

If Wilson can take the next step from very good to great quarterback and Rawls proves his rookie season to be no fluke, this offense should be one of the best in the league. With the Legion of Boom still lurking, that’s a recipe for success.